Analog Discovery 2 - Evaluating Signal Generator & Oscilloscope For PC Based Audio Analysis

My evaluation of two functions of the Analog Discovery 2 internal signal generator and oscilloscope for use in audio work.

[@IntoTheLab]

What you said between 18:25 -18:47 is absolutely true and the heartbreak in your voice says it all. We all love the vintage equipment - its just beutiful. But for those setting up a audio electronics lab today, the "Analog Discovery 2" combined with the third party "Audio Analyzer Suite" software provides just enough functionality in AUDIBLE frequency range to make that wall of equipment behind it unnecessary. The price comparison in adjusted dollars has to be almost two orders of magnitude less and one could say the same in regards to the physical space savings. Unbelievable. To be sure, it's not a direct relacement but for basic, low frequency audio work, I'm sold. Thanks for taking the time to create this video.

[@tomtektest8042]

Enjoyed your video and look forward to some more on the AD2. It is really nice to get different perspectives on this, especially from someone with as much experience with tube amplifier as you have.

[@harbselectronicslab3551]

I have been thinking about getting something like this to put in my laptop bag when I am out on site.......I will watch the rest of your video's with great interest !

[@lordtara]

The guy that runs the channel "TheStuffMade" made his own free software for the Analog Discovery 2. It's called Audio Analyzer Suite. It measures THD and noise, THD vs Power, Intermodulation Distortion, frequency response, output and input impedance and has a spectrum analyzer.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

I understand that just before the time I posted this video, the Audio Analyzer Suite was taken down. I haven't heard that it has been posted again. I have heard a lot of good things about it. Oh well... maybe he is going to sell it ? I would probably buy it. Thanks for your comments.

[@KarlAdamsAudio]

I'll be interested to see your evaluation of the spectrum analyzer functionality in particular - as I suspect the 14-bit ADC resolution will present some limitations in terms of dynamic range when measuring low levels of distortion.

[@garytrautman5404]

Glare: Try a Circular Polarizer. LCD displays & some laptop displays use integrated linear polarizing sheets which may cause some darkening.

[@diabolicalartificer]

Thanks for your views on the AD 2. I've watched Tomtektest's video's and Mark at Blueglow Electronics has made a few about it too. Nether have your dashing handlebar moustache though. : ) Cheers.

[@materialsguy2002]

David did you manage to obtain the audio analyzer suite before thestuffmade went offline? Those pages have been offline for a week or so. The suite gave the AD and ADII the same functionality as Pete Millet's software for the 8903A/B.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

Hi Shaun, No, I did not get any of the software you speak of and have learned that the site is down. Bummer... Hopefully, it will come back up soon with new and improved programs. If the AD2 can do what the 8903A can that would be great. I will state that I have worked with AD2 a good bit lately and the FFT and voltmeter functions aren't as good as I had hoped. But, at only 14 bits, I can get the FFT function to display a reasonable harmonic profile if I limit the range to 80 dB. The voltmeter is 50% error at 5 KHz. That doesn't seem reasonable. Maybe I am doing something wrong? Do you have a AD2 and have you experienced this issue with the AC voltmeter?

[@materialsguy2002]

ElPaso TubeAmps David, I sent you a message about this.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

I got your message but I don't see any links to get the file. Thank you.

[@treegasmicthearborist5763]

very nice video!

[@christophschuermann6512]

Nice video! I use the AD in addition to my standard analog & digital test equipment. I like to get quick results with the AD. For pure audiomeasurements the AD is not good enougth, here i use a PC with an USB Audiointerface and the software ARTA (ASIO, 192ks/s, 24bit). Is the spectra plus hardware & software performing better? I would like to see more (audio-) measurements with this system.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

The SpectraPlus uses a USB port just like ARTA. I like it a little better than ARTA but it is pretty expensive. In most of my audio videos you will see that I use it for a spectral display. I like the AD2 also but I agree that it isn't as overall good but it does have an interface with a much better frequency response than the Behringer and Focusrite interfaces do. The input channel on the AD2 is very good to better than 10 MHz but you have to limit the FFT vertical range to around 80 dB to get a good display but I think it is more accurate at the higher audio frequencies than the two interfaces mentioned. I have other videos that you might like. Thanks for your comments.

[@christophschuermann6512]

Thank you very much for your quick answer. I will check out all your videos and hope to see some "spectra-action" and more. I atually use the Lyra2 USB Interface, with a noisefloor of better than -140db. I am in the High-End audio bussines since 30 Years now and hope i can get a new audio precision analyzer some day...:-) Best regards from berlin.

[@billmoran3812]

I guess I'm an old fossil. I'm interested in learning digital and can see its many advantages, but I'm still a believer in analog electronics. I'll keep my HP 3325. Sweep generator and Tek Sg502 sine wave generator.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

I agree with you. I am not about to trash the HP and Tektronix analog stuff yet. :-)

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Dave, Nice demo. :-) 73 WB3BJU